Hi Atlantys, congratulations on your engagement and welcome to CDI. I'm excited for you. So glad that you decided to participate!

For me, there is no easy answer to your dilemma. First, I LOVE coppery brown diamonds – they just may be my absolute favorite color in diamonds. I can't wait to see your beautiful diamond. Second, I think browns look absolutely stunning when there is a bit of colorless (white) around them for contrast and to make the beautiful color "pop" against your skin tones. For me, that bit of contrast really adds something special. And, like you, the round shape in a halo does not usually flatter my fingers (unless it is humongous... then, ANY shape flatters, hehe). Your design idea sounds gorgeous and unique. Very clever resolution. 

And, therein lies my dilemma because making the ring with the contrasting whites is not an option for you in platinum (my favorite metal choice). I understand your frustration!

I adore gold if it is yellow, red; probably more than most. However, I always prefer platinum over white gold. I like platinum for its feel, weight and the fact that any wear marks that occur over time can be polished out (something about the idea of metal that moves about as opposed to wearing-away really appeals to me). Also, I do not mind the patina that unpolished or worn platinum usually takes-on over time. Some people DO mind this, and this is significant to think about if you won't be having a jeweler polishing it up every so often. My preference is totally personal, but, it is what works for me. My first ER was white gold, I was VERY hard on it, and the ring did not hold up or wear well at all.

And, this brings me to my last concern for you. If you are wearing this ring 24/7 on your working hand, microset diamonds aren't the the most durable choice (which does not mean you will have issues; it is just something to consider). Also, especially if they are UNDER the center stone, the small stones will be more at risk for attracting dirt and gunk and will need more care and cleaning on a regular basis. Microset stones must be cleaned with care.

I have no idea what you do with your hands everyday, or if you may be as hard on your jewelry as I am. If I were in your shoes now, I'd like to think that I'd be "practical"when making my own design decision. Truth is, if I were in your shoes, I probably would not be so practical... hey, this is, in a sense, a dream ring, right? I'd probably "go for it." *SIGH* Your design idea IS fabulous.

Can you swing, or would you be interested in, a compromise?  Your center stone flanked by two smaller sides, like pears maybe, in platinum?

Last thoughts: if you decide on a classic solitaire setting in platinum, you can always have a halo project upgrade to look forward to down the road. Perhaps, as an anniversary gift? Celebration of first child? CDIers are masters at thinking of celebratory reasons to upgrade! We'll help you.    On the other hand, if you go with the microset white gold, David will always honor your purchase and take care of any issues regarding the ring's upkeep.

You are in good hands either way. Sorry, I've been NO help at all... 

I can't wait to hear what you decide. Keep in touch! 

I think the halo underneath the center diamond and between each prong is a beautiful setting!  I am allergic to the nickel in white gold, so I can't wear it, but I assume you are not if you are considering it.  As long as you're sure you're not allergic to white gold, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't choose it if it allows you to have the setting you really want.

Here are some pictures of browns with side stones (hearts and rounds), as the others have suggested.  If you like this idea, then I would suggest getting a simple cathedral setting until your budget allows an upgrade.  Happy shopping!

Mikla

Hi Atlantys, welcome to CDI and congratulations on your engagement.

'So here comes my dilemma. With our budget, we have to make a decision about either doing the ring with the halo in 14kt white gold, or putting the stone into a plain cathedral solitaire setting in platinum. From the top, both designs will look very similar, but from an angle or from the side, the halo will come into play. David has given me a deadline in a week to make up my mind, so I really need your help, quick!"

I prefer your idea in white gold with the halo draped as a ribbon.  I think it is gorgeous, and would be one of those unexpected sparkles every time you moved your hand.  That design against a brown diamond would be stunning.

If you find that you are frequently returning the ring for repairs to the halo, you could change the head to an all metal design for a very low cost.  But unless you really bang your rings on innate objects, I don't think you will have a problem.

Thanks, David. That takes the pressure off a bit. I'm sure I will be able to make this decision within a week. I just need to make sure I'm absolutely certain before this becomes 'real'. It's going to be around for a long time.

And the advice is great. Thank you all for taking the time to put my mind at ease.

Hi there and welcome
You might hate this idea and I couldn`t find a pic of exactly what I mean.
I know someone who didn`t want an ER followed a wedding ring, she simply wanted one ring which would do both and left her emerald cut diamond looking like a solitaire but also played the part of a wedding band too.
This picture gives you a rough idea and the one my friend wears looks really lovely in the flesh but is more curvacious than the one in the pic.
Maybe you could stretch the budget just a little bit and get something similar to this in platinum but still have a few small diamonds in it too

Hi, Atlantys!  I have absolutely nothing of value to add aside from congratulations to you and your beau on you upcoming nuptuals, and also congratulations on deciding to use DBL as your jeweler.

Better heads than mine have already given you opinions mine could only echo; but for the record, +1 on the white gold with the halo.  It is a beautiful idea, especially with a colored center diamond.  DBL makes very sturdy pieces, if you are worried about a melee.  Well, I'm not sure sturdy is the word - but they seem to wear extrememly well over time.   I haven't had any issues with any of my little projects., including my own little halo.  I clean her with an electric toothbrush. 

Oh, yeah - and welcome aboard.  It's good to have you you out of lurkdom.  We will all enjoy following your project! 

Hi Atlantys, welcome!

I'll answer the easy question first. You don't need to have multiple posts. You can quote the first post using the "quote" button, then use the "Insert Quote" link (small type in orange/brown) above each post in the Topic Summary frame. Hope this makes sense; if not let me know and I'll post with a few screen shots.

The other question is also simple for me. Platinum. Get some nice metal work, possibly a pair of "surprise" stones on the basket sides, but don't overcomplicate things (and I really like the much more substantial feeling of platinum).

Hi and welcome!

Just wanted to add a vote for the halo!  I have several DBL pieces in white gold and not one has even a hint of yellowing!  I am a lefty too, and all of my DBL rings are in excellent conditions, even though I am quite rough with them.

Cannot wait to see your final choice!

Atlantys, just curious what culture is your DF a part of?  I am always fascinated with the different traditions of some cultures. 

Oh and I wouldn't worry about posting from the sidelines so to speak.  I didn't even think I would be purchasing from David anytime soon and everyone made me feel very welcome here.  I have to say I appreciate a group like this a lot!

You may have noticed that the first 3-stone ring I attached in my earlier post has the center set in yellow gold, while the second ring (obviously) has the stone set in white metal.  I thought I'd point that out to you because the yellow prongs (as well as pink gold) really have an impact on brown stones and can be used with white gold even in the halo setting that you are considering.  

Here are some rings with brown diamonds set in pink gold sold awhile ago to give you an idea of how browns look set in rose gold.  And a third photo of a brown set in white (because I love it).  Like you needed something else to think about, right?  

Mikla

R3347 is gorgeous, and honestly I like the way that halo looks there even more than the Tacori halo.  I also love the double prongs.  So for me I would take as much from the DBL ring as possible and put it into yours.

I've looked at a ton of settings in the last year or so and while I find Tacori's looks to be nice, I really like the settings I've seen at DBL better.  Not saying that Tacori's designs are bad, there is just something always off about them in my eyes (maybe only) that I don't care for.

So I would take the DBL ring all the way (even with a totally plain shank)

And thanks for sharing about your husband.  I admit that is one culture I know very little about.  Where I went to school and church now has a huge international population.  Every year we have an international festival where people share about their cultures and way of life.  Regionally closest I get with friends is from the Ukraine and Turkey.

It's really neat to know the differences that cultures have with the wedding ring traditions.  I know some cultures it is normal to wear the wedding ring on the right hand even which always throws me off living here.  Two friends of mine from totally different regions of the world both wear their engagement ring closest first and then the wedding ring on top of it.  That's just how they do it there since there is no removing of the engagement ring.  And it is seen as a negative if they switch it.

Anyway good luck deciding on this ring.  I cannot wait to see the pictures of it when you are done